Inklingo

How to Say "silhouette" in Spanish

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figura

fee-GOO-rah/fiˈɣuɾa/

nounA2general
Use 'figura' when referring to the outline or shape of a person's body.
A simple, stylized illustration of a person's silhouette, emphasizing a clear body outline or physique.

Examples

Ella tiene una figura atlética gracias al deporte.

She has an athletic figure thanks to sports.

Hay que cuidar la figura antes del verano.

You have to watch your figure before summer.

perfil

/pehr-FEEL//peɾˈfil/

nounB1general
Use 'perfil' when describing the outline of an object, especially its side view, or the silhouette of a face.
A simple drawing of a human face clearly shown from the side view (profile view) against a light background.

Examples

El artista dibujó un hermoso perfil de la modelo.

The artist drew a beautiful profile (side view) of the model.

Solo se veía el perfil de la montaña contra el cielo.

Only the silhouette of the mountain could be seen against the sky.

La foto fue tomada de perfil, no de frente.

The photo was taken in profile (from the side), not from the front.

Using 'De Perfil'

To say someone is standing or being viewed from the side, use the phrase 'de perfil'.

Persona vs. Objeto

Learners often confuse 'figura' and 'perfil' by using 'perfil' for people. Remember that 'figura' specifically denotes the outline of a person's body, while 'perfil' is for objects or a side-view of a face.

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